Addressing Uncorrected Refractive Errors: Myopia Awareness Week Screening Initiative

In observance of Myopia Awareness Week, on May 13, 2024, eighth-semester students from the Department of Optometry, alongside their faculty members, set out on an important initiative to the Government Islamic and Modern Education School System. Led by Dr Nimra Gul and Dr Syeda Khadija Fatima, their objective was to conduct a comprehensive screening for uncorrected refractive errors among schoolchildren.

Upon arrival, they were warmly received by the principal and staff of the school, where the principal provided valuable insights into the school's environment. The screening camp was meticulously planned to detect undiagnosed refractive errors, a common yet often overlooked issue affecting children's vision.

The screening protocols implemented were thorough and encompassed various assessments, including history taking to understand any existing eye-related symptoms, torchlight examination to check for external abnormalities, visual acuity testing to assess the clarity of vision, ophthalmoscopy to examine the interior structures of the eye, retinoscopy to determine the refractive error, refraction to prescribe corrective lenses if needed, and medication assessment to identify any ocular conditions requiring treatment.

The team's dedication ensured that each student underwent a comprehensive examination to identify uncorrected refractive errors promptly. Out of the over 300 students screened, nearly 100 were diagnosed with myopia, highlighting the prevalence of uncorrected refractive errors among school-aged children. By addressing these issues through early detection and intervention, the screening camp not only contributed to enhancing the visual health of the students but also underscored the importance of regular eye examinations in ensuring optimal vision and academic performance.

 

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